Method and apparatus for selecting a media for communication in a network

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for selecting a media for communication in a network. The method includes (i) using a first autonegotiation circuit to attempt to establish a link over a first media of a first type, and (ii) simultaneously using a second autonegotiation circuit to attempt to establish a link over a second media of a second type, the second type being different from the first type. In response to establishing the link over the first media prior to establishing the link over the second media, the second autonegotiation circuit is powered down. In response to establishing the link over the second media prior to establishing the link over the first media, the first autonegotiation circuit is powered down.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/400,457, filed Apr. 7, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/991,046 filed Nov. 21, 2001. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to computer networks, and more particularly to an automatic media selector for Ethernet networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a data link layer 10 of the open systems interconnection (OSI) model includes a logical link control (LLC) layer 12 and a media access control (MAC) layer 14. The LLC layer 12 addresses and exchanges data with a network layer 16. The MAC layer 14 provides an interface between the LLC layer 12 and a physical layer 18.

The MAC layer 14 frames data for transmission over the network and then passes the frame to the physical layer 18 for transmission as a stream of bits. In other words, the MAC layer 14 frames data into distinct units or packets that are transmitted one at a time over the network.

The physical layer 18 typically includes a physical coding sublayer (PCS) 20, a physical medium attachment (PMA) sublayer 22, and an autonegotiation sublayer 24. A medium dependent interface (MDI) 26 such as an RJ-45 connector connects the physical layer 18 to media 28 such as twisted pair wires, optical fiber or other media. The IEEE 802.3 specification, which is hereby incorporated by reference, further defines how physical network interfaces operate with different types of media such as coaxial cable, twisted-pair cable and optical fiber.

To improve flexibility, the physical layer 18 of some network devices has been designed to be connected to different types of media. The manufacturer and/or the user may not know the type of media that will be used at the time of manufacturing or purchase. The type of media that is used may also change over time.

For example, the physical layer 18 is selectively connectable to copper or optical fiber. Currently, the PCS sublayer 20 of the physical layer 18 is programmed to handle the specific type of media that will be used. For example when optical fiber is used, the operating mode of the PCS 20 is programmed to provide an optical interface. If the user later decides to use a different type of media such as copper, the operating mode of the PCS 20 is programmed to provide a copper interface. The reprogramming process increases the cost of operating the network.

The autonegotiation sublayer 24 initiates the exchange of information between two connected network devices and automatically configures the devices to take maximum advantage of their respective abilities. The autonegotiation sublayer 24 advertises the abilities of the network device, acknowledges receipt, identifies common modes of operation, and rejects the use of operational modes that are not shared or supported by both devices. When more than one common mode of operation exists between the devices, an arbitration function of the autonegotiation layer 24 identifies and selects a single mode of operation. After autonegotiation is complete, the devices establish a link and exchange data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A network device and method of operating a network device according to the invention includes a media access controller (MAC) and a physical layer. The physical layer includes an interface that communicates with the MAC. A first autonegotiation circuit attempts to establish a first link using a first transceiver over a first media. A second autonegotiation circuit attempts to establish a second link using a second transceiver over a second media. A media selector communicates with the interface and the first and second autonegotiation circuits. The media selector enables data flow from the first media to the MAC using the interface when the link over the first media is established first.

In other features of the invention, the media selector powers down the second autonegotiation circuit and/or the second transceiver when the first link over the first media is established first. The media selector powers up the second autonegotiation circuit and/or the second transceiver when the first link is lost.

In still other features, the media selector enables data flow from the second media to the MAC using the interface when the second link over the second media is established first. The media selector powers down the first autonegotiation circuit and/or the first transceiver when the second link over the second media is established first. The media selector powers up the first autonegotiation circuit and/or the first transceiver when the second link is lost.

In still other features, the media selector enables data flow from the first media to the MAC using the interface when the first and second links over the first and second media are established at the same time. The media selector powers down the second autonegotiation circuit and/or the second transceiver when the first and second links over the first and second media are established at the same time. The media selector powers up the second autonegotiation circuit and/or the second transceiver when the first link over the first media is lost.

In yet other features, the first media is copper and the second media is optical fiber. The interface is a physical coding sublayer (PCS) circuit.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial OSI network model for communication between network devices according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a network device including a media access control (MAC) layer and a physical layer with an automatic media selector according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a more detailed functional block diagram of the first exemplary physical layer including the automatic media selector of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a more detailed functional block diagram of the second exemplary physical layer including the automatic media selector of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 illustrates steps performed by the automatic media selector of FIGS. 3 and 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a media access control (MAC) layer 50 communicates with a physical layer 52 of a network device. The physical layer 52 includes analog circuits 54 and digital circuits 56. In the exemplary embodiment, the analog circuits 54 are physically connected to copper media 60 and/or fiber media 64 using media dependent interfaces (MDI) (not shown in FIG. 2) such as an RJ-45 connector or a fiber connector. Skilled artisans can appreciate that the present invention applies to other types of media such as radio frequency as well.

In use, the digital circuits 56 of the physical layer 52 include a physical coding sublayer (PCS) interface. Both the copper and fiber autonegotiation sublayers attempt to initiate a link over the copper and fiber media 60 and 64, respectively. If autonegotiation is completed over the fiber media, the PCS interface is configured for fiber. The copper autonegotiation sublayer and the copper transceiver are preferably powered down. Data flow from the fiber media 64 to the MAC layer 50 is enabled. When the link over the fiber media 64 goes down, the copper autonegotiation layer and/or the copper transceiver are powered back up.

Alternately, if autonegotiation and a link are completed over the copper media before or at the same time as the fiber media, the PCS interface is configured for copper. The fiber autonegotiation sublayer and the fiber transceiver are preferably powered down. Data flow from the copper media 60 to the MAC layer 50 is enabled. When the link over the copper media 60 goes down, the fiber autonegotiation sublayer and the fiber transceiver are powered up. As a result, the physical layer 52 automatically configures itself without requiring the physical layer 52 (and/or the PCS thereof) to be reprogrammed.

Skilled artisans can appreciate that a standard interface may be provided between the MAC layer 50 and the physical layer 52. For example, the standard interface can be TBI, GMII, SGMI, RGI, RTBI, MII, RMII, SMII or other suitable interfaces.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the analog circuits 54 of a first exemplary physical layer 52-1 are shown in further detail and include a copper transceiver 70 and a fiber transceiver 72. The digital circuits 56 of the physical layer 52-1 are also shown in further detail and include a copper autonegotiation circuit 76 and a fiber autonegotiation/link circuit 78 that are connected to the copper transceiver 70 and fiber transceiver 72, respectively. A physical coding sublayer (PCS) interface 90 communicates with the copper transceiver 70, the copper autonegotiation circuit 76, the fiber autonegotiation/link circuit 78 and/or the fiber transceiver 72. The PCS interface 90 has first and second modes of operation for copper and optical fiber, respectively, that can be selected by an automatic media selector 110 as will be described more fully below.

During copper autonegotiation, the copper transceiver 70 transmits Fast Link Pulse (FLP) bursts over the copper 60. The FLP pulse bursts contain configuration parameters that the first network device wishes to advertise. If the copper transceiver 70 receives FLP bursts, negotiation of the configuration parameters occurs and a link over the copper 60 is established and data is exchanged.

During fiber autonegotiation, code groups are initially transmitted by the fiber transceiver 72. For example code groups such as KDKD . . . are transmitted where each symbol represents multiple bits. When autonegotiation occurs, code groups such as KDCCKDCC . . . are transmitted. The link circuit 78 monitors the code groups and identifies sync status. When autonegotiation completes, a link over fiber 64 is established and data is exchanged.

The media selector 110 communicates with the copper autonegotiation circuit 76, the link circuit 78, and/or the PCS interface 90. The media selector 110 monitors the status of the copper autonegotiation circuit 76 and the link circuit 78 to identify the media that establishes a link first. Once the link is established over one media, the autonegotiation circuit and/or the transceiver associated with the other media are powered down until the link goes down. When this occurs, the autonegotiation circuit and/or the transceiver that is associated with the other media is powered back up.

Referring now to FIG. 4, reference numbers from FIG. 3 are used in FIG. 4 where appropriate to identify the same elements. A second exemplary physical layer 52-2 is shown. The PCS interface 90 may include a copper interface 114 and an optical fiber interface 116. As described above, the automatic media selector 110 selects one of the interfaces 114 and 116 depending upon which media completes a link first. The other interface is preferably disabled and/or powered down until the link goes down. Otherwise, the operation for the physical layer 52-2 is similar to the physical layer 52-1.

Referring now to FIG. 5, steps for performing automatic media selection according to the present invention are shown generally at 150. Control begins with step 152 and proceeds to step 154. In step 154, both copper and fiber autonegotiation are initiated. In step 156, the media selector 110 determines whether a fiber link has completed. If the fiber link has completed, the media selector 110 powers down the copper interface 114, the copper autonegotiation circuit 76 and/or the copper transceiver 70 in step 160. In step 162, the media selector 110 enables data flow over fiber to the MAC layer 50. In step 164, the media selector 110 determines whether the fiber link is down. If not, control loops back to step 164. Otherwise, control continues with step 168 where the circuits that were powered down in step 160 are powered back up. Control continues from step 168 back to step 154.

If the fiber link does not complete first as determined in step 156, control continues with step 172. In step 172, control determines whether a copper link is established. If the copper link occurs, the media selector 110 powers down the fiber PCS interface 116, the link circuit 80, the fiber autonegotiation/link circuit 78 and/or the fiber transceiver 72 in step 174. In step 176, the media selector 110 enables data flow over copper to the MAC layer 50. In step 178, the media selector 110 determines whether the copper link is down. If not, control loops back to step 178. Otherwise, control continues with step 180 where the circuits that were powered down in step 174 are powered back up. Control continues from step 180 to step 154.

The copper interface is employed as a default when both copper and fiber complete the link at the same time. Alternatively, skilled artisans can appreciate that fiber can be selected as a default when both copper and fiber complete the link at the same time. However, both copper and fiber will rarely complete the link at the same time. As can be appreciated, the physical layer can be implemented in a variety of ways such as analog and/or digital circuits, software executed by a processor and memory, application specific integrated circuits, or in any other suitable manner.

Thus it will be appreciated from the above, the present invention discloses an automatic media selector and method for selecting the media for Ethernet transceivers. It will be equally apparent and is contemplated that modification and/or changes may be made in the illustrated embodiment without departure from the invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are illustrative of preferred embodiments only, not limiting, and that the true spirit and scope of the present invention will be determined by reference to the appended claims and their legal equivalent. 

1. A physical layer of a network device, the physical layer comprising: a first transceiver in communication with a first media of a first type; a second transceiver in communication with a second media of a second type, the second type being different from the first type; a first autonegotiation circuit configured to use the first transceiver to attempt to establish a link over the first media; a second autonegotiation circuit configured to simultaneously use the second transceiver to attempt to establish a link over the second media; a media selector circuit in communication with each of the first autonegotiation circuit and the second autonegotiation circuit, wherein in response to the first autonegotiation circuit establishing the link over the first media prior to the second autonegotiation circuit establishing the link over the second media, the media selector is configured to power down the second autonegotiation circuit, and in response to the second autonegotiation circuit establishing the link over the second media prior to the first autonegotiation circuit establishing the link over the first media, the media selector is configured to power down the first autonegotiation circuit.
 2. The physical layer of claim 1, wherein: in response to the first autonegotiation circuit establishing the link over the first media prior to the second autonegotiation circuit establishing the link over the second media, the media selector is further configured to power down the second transceiver; and in response to the second autonegotiation circuit establishing the link over the second media prior to the first autonegotiation circuit establishing the link over the first media, the media selector is further configured to power down the first transceiver.
 3. The physical layer of claim 1, wherein each of the first media and the second media comprises at least one of: twisted pair wires, optical fiber, coaxial cable, twisted-pair cable, or a radio frequency media.
 4. The physical layer of claim 1, wherein the media selector is further configured to power up the second autonegotiation circuit or power up the first autonegotiation circuit in response to the established link going down.
 5. The physical layer of claim 1, further comprising: a first physical coding sublayer interface in communication with the first autonegotiation circuit; and a second physical coding sublayer interface in communication with the second autonegotiation circuit.
 6. A network device comprising: the physical layer of claim 5; and a media access controller in communication each of the first physical coding sublayer interface and the second physical coding sublayer interface.
 7. A method comprising: using a first autonegotiation circuit to attempt to establish a link over a first media of a first type; simultaneously using a second autonegotiation circuit to attempt to establish a link over a second media of a second type, the second type being different from the first type; in response to establishing the link over the first media prior to establishing the link over the second media, powering down the second autonegotiation circuit; and in response to establishing the link over the second media prior to establishing the link over the first media, powering down the first autonegotiation circuit.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein each of the first media and the second media comprises at least one of: twisted pair wires, optical fiber, coaxial cable, twisted-pair cable, or a radio frequency media.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising powering up the second autonegotiation circuit or powering up the first autonegotiation circuit in response to the established link going down. 